May 22, 2019, 7:13 am
Last edit by: JDiver
Earning American Airlines AAvantage Miles Flying CX / Cathay Pacific Airways (consolidated)
Including known issues (e.g. upgrades) with AA / CX
Including known issues (e.g. upgrades) with AA / CX
Earning AAdvantage Miles flying Cathay Pacific Airways
NOTE: Travel on Cathay Pacific and its affiliate airline counts toward qualifying for AAdvantage elite status membership. However, please refer to aa.com here for fare classes that earn AAdvantage miles, not Cathay Pacific.
AAdvantage Elite members members traveling on Cathay also enjoy:
If you fly CX as an AA codeshare / marketed flight, you will earn as if you were flying on AA.
Flying CX as CX, most discounted economy fare classes do not earn AAdvantage miles; See the chart. See Link to AAdvantage chart on earning miles and EQD flying CX.
Note: the CX website incorrectly indicates no AA miles for E fare; AA.com does and is correct
*Premium Economy fare W on a flight operated by Cathay Pacific will earn an additional 10% class of service bonus with the exception of W fares between Hong Kong and Bangkok, which will not earn a class of service bonus, and Premium Economy R or E, which earn no class of service bonus.
NOTE: Travel on Cathay Pacific and its affiliate airline counts toward qualifying for AAdvantage elite status membership. However, please refer to aa.com here for fare classes that earn AAdvantage miles, not Cathay Pacific.
- Economy / coach fares other than Y, B or H on CX do not earn AAdvantage miles
- B and H only earn fractional (75%) credit on AA
- Upgrades may book into ineligible fare classes, causing challenges getting AA to credit the originally purchased fare class
- there are a few fare classes that CX says do not earn AAdvantage miles, whereas aa.com says they will, as do members reporting their experiences here
- JFK-YVR and YVR-JFK do accrue EQ and miles on eligible fares. JFK-YVR-HKG accrues as if nonstop JFK-HKG.
AAdvantage Elite members members traveling on Cathay also enjoy:
- [*]
Flying CX as CX, most discounted economy fare classes do not earn AAdvantage miles; See the chart. See Link to AAdvantage chart on earning miles and EQD flying CX.
Note: the CX website incorrectly indicates no AA miles for E fare; AA.com does and is correct
*Premium Economy fare W on a flight operated by Cathay Pacific will earn an additional 10% class of service bonus with the exception of W fares between Hong Kong and Bangkok, which will not earn a class of service bonus, and Premium Economy R or E, which earn no class of service bonus.
Upgrading to First on CX / Cathay Pacific Airways and U, Z Fare Class Issues
Upgrading a paid Business fare to First on Cathay Pacific Airways puts the flight into fare class "Z", a class that is ineligible for AAdvantage miles accrual (as reflected on the accrual chart) because it is also an award classification for a First Class award.
Upgrading a paid Premium Economy fare to Business puts it into U class, another award fare class that earns no AA miles.
Members have recently reported success at having their upgrades acknowledged as miles-garnering (mid-June 2015).
and
Upgrading a paid Business fare to First on Cathay Pacific Airways puts the flight into fare class "Z", a class that is ineligible for AAdvantage miles accrual (as reflected on the accrual chart) because it is also an award classification for a First Class award.
Upgrading a paid Premium Economy fare to Business puts it into U class, another award fare class that earns no AA miles.
Members have recently reported success at having their upgrades acknowledged as miles-garnering (mid-June 2015).
I had the same issue. I upgraded from Biz to F using Asia Miles, but left my AA number in the reservation.
The outbound flight credited automatically without intervention.
The inbound flight did not credit and I submitted the Missing Mileage Request. That request got denied due to ineligible fare class. All I did was call the ExecPlat desk and ask for AAdvantage Customer Service, who had record of the denied claim. I explained I paid for Biz, upgraded to F, and provided them with my original ticket number (both ticker numbers were on CX stock). Call took about 5 minutes and miles (and EQM/EQP) posted to the account the next day.
The outbound flight credited automatically without intervention.
The inbound flight did not credit and I submitted the Missing Mileage Request. That request got denied due to ineligible fare class. All I did was call the ExecPlat desk and ask for AAdvantage Customer Service, who had record of the denied claim. I explained I paid for Biz, upgraded to F, and provided them with my original ticket number (both ticker numbers were on CX stock). Call took about 5 minutes and miles (and EQM/EQP) posted to the account the next day.
I just wanted to post the conclusion to my saga, that started with the brilliant idea to upgrade two CX flights in February (yes, 4 months ago).
Well, I Fedex'd a letter to the executive's office, which arrived Friday. Today, I received an email from an "executive liason" who said they agreed that "R" to "U" via an upgrade should be mileage earning and manually adjusted my account to receive credit. Account and status now reflects those flights.
So despite certain aagents and lower-level SUPs saying this is CX's problem and to go pound sand, AA actually can do something about it (albit at a higher level than a regular SUP, I assume). By the phrasing of the answer, I would say this isn't a one time exception but rather what is supposed to happen for these flights.
Godspeed to any other souls on this journey.
Well, I Fedex'd a letter to the executive's office, which arrived Friday. Today, I received an email from an "executive liason" who said they agreed that "R" to "U" via an upgrade should be mileage earning and manually adjusted my account to receive credit. Account and status now reflects those flights.
So despite certain aagents and lower-level SUPs saying this is CX's problem and to go pound sand, AA actually can do something about it (albit at a higher level than a regular SUP, I assume). By the phrasing of the answer, I would say this isn't a one time exception but rather what is supposed to happen for these flights.
Godspeed to any other souls on this journey.
Possible snail mail or FedEx to:
Suzanne Rubin
President – AAdvantage Loyalty Program, American Airlines
4333 Amon Carter Blvd
Fort Worth, TX 76155
Suzanne Rubin
President – AAdvantage Loyalty Program, American Airlines
4333 Amon Carter Blvd
Fort Worth, TX 76155
Wikipost as of 2018
ARCHIVE: Earning AA AAdvantage Miles on CX / Cathay (including Upgrade Issues)
Apr 17, 2016, 3:41 am
#196
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Chicago; Shanghai
Programs: AAdvantage Platinum; HHonors Gold; IHG Platinum
Posts: 27
Y or B ticket on CX to HKG
I think the Wiki page for this post has a mistake: H fare only earns 0.5 EQM per aa's website. To me personally this is of AA's worst changes to its program. (though I can totally see why this makes sense for them...) Now almost all non full fare economy (Y, B) OW flights only earn at most 0.5 EQM. I used to opt taking a detour through HEL on Finnair from US to East Asia destination to earn those extra base (plus Platinum bonus) and EQ miles, not to mention Finnair's great service and A350s. [So much for digression...]
Anyway, my question is if CX ever sells Y or B tickets on its transpacific flights to HKG (for me to get 1 EQM). When I search and choose my flights, the Economy Flex (which seems to be the highest Y fare; cheapest PEY seats sell in E fare) fares are always displayed as H fares, which only earn 0.5 EQM. Hate to lose all these EQM towards renewing my AA status on a ultra-long haul flight...
Anyway, my question is if CX ever sells Y or B tickets on its transpacific flights to HKG (for me to get 1 EQM). When I search and choose my flights, the Economy Flex (which seems to be the highest Y fare; cheapest PEY seats sell in E fare) fares are always displayed as H fares, which only earn 0.5 EQM. Hate to lose all these EQM towards renewing my AA status on a ultra-long haul flight...
Apr 17, 2016, 8:04 am
#197
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: BNA
Programs: AA CK, SPG Plat, IHG Plat
Posts: 273
Anyway, my question is if CX ever sells Y or B tickets on its transpacific flights to HKG (for me to get 1 EQM). When I search and choose my flights, the Economy Flex (which seems to be the highest Y fare; cheapest PEY seats sell in E fare) fares are always displayed as H fares, which only earn 0.5 EQM. Hate to lose all these EQM towards renewing my AA status on a ultra-long haul flight...
Apr 17, 2016, 8:16 am
#198
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: BNA
Programs: AA CK, SPG Plat, IHG Plat
Posts: 273
After one call to American and three phone calls to Cathay with interminable waits on hold and conflicting information ("it should earn miles sine it's in E") the final word was that despite the E class fare it is a sale fare and no AA miles for premium economy. I canceled the booking and will try to get my $100 cancellation fee back thru other means. I'll avoid Cathay at all costs in the future.
Apr 17, 2016, 8:17 am
#199
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: BNA
Programs: AA CK, SPG Plat, IHG Plat
Posts: 273
Yep, that's unfortunately a common thing. But you're right: miles are definitely still earned. It's based on fare class, not what you paid.
Apr 21, 2016, 3:46 am
#200
Join Date: Dec 2012
Programs: AY Plat, AA ExP, NH Gold, AMEX PLAT
Posts: 312
Furious with AA.
EXP AA and I purchased a R fare PE CX ticket.
AA just sent me an email after I sent in ALL my boarding passes and original itin showing a paid R fare (1.5)
Email states as I upgraded with Asiamiles to U fare (biz)
and therefore ZERO miles!
We appreciate your recent request for mileage credit for your travel on one or more AAdvantage® airline participants. After reviewing your request, mileage credit for these flights has been denied by the airline:
Partner Airline Flight Number Date Origin Destination Reason for Denial
Ineligible Booking Class
Ineligible Booking Class
EXP AA and I purchased a R fare PE CX ticket.
AA just sent me an email after I sent in ALL my boarding passes and original itin showing a paid R fare (1.5)
Email states as I upgraded with Asiamiles to U fare (biz)
and therefore ZERO miles!
We appreciate your recent request for mileage credit for your travel on one or more AAdvantage® airline participants. After reviewing your request, mileage credit for these flights has been denied by the airline:
Partner Airline Flight Number Date Origin Destination Reason for Denial
Ineligible Booking Class
Ineligible Booking Class
Last edited by altitude75k; Apr 21, 2016 at 7:32 pm
Apr 21, 2016, 8:49 am
#201
Join Date: Jul 2001
Programs: AA EP
Posts: 2,203
Furious with AA.
EXP AA and I purchased a R fare PE CX ticket.
AA just sent me an email after I sent in ALL my boarding passes and original itin showing a paid R fare (1.5)
Email states as I upgraded with Asiamiles to U fare (biz)
and therefore ZERO miles!
So angry!
We appreciate your recent request for mileage credit for your travel on one or more AAdvantage® airline participants. After reviewing your request, mileage credit for these flights has been denied by the airline:
Partner Airline Flight Number Date Origin Destination Reason for Denial
Ineligible Booking Class
Ineligible Booking Class
BAD business AA!
EXP AA and I purchased a R fare PE CX ticket.
AA just sent me an email after I sent in ALL my boarding passes and original itin showing a paid R fare (1.5)
Email states as I upgraded with Asiamiles to U fare (biz)
and therefore ZERO miles!
So angry!
We appreciate your recent request for mileage credit for your travel on one or more AAdvantage® airline participants. After reviewing your request, mileage credit for these flights has been denied by the airline:
Partner Airline Flight Number Date Origin Destination Reason for Denial
Ineligible Booking Class
Ineligible Booking Class
BAD business AA!And second, BAD business AA! Ummm. It is CX that is denying it. u email even says it.. "mileage credit for these flights has been denied by the airline:"
Apr 21, 2016, 9:07 am
#202
Join Date: Dec 2012
Programs: AY Plat, AA ExP, NH Gold, AMEX PLAT
Posts: 312
Thank you. I did send in everything to AA and told the story.
I had this same issue with a CX ticket I bought on AA.com and was curious how the heck this can happen.
I had no idea it was CX. Lesson learned.
This shouldn't be a glitch is this day and age and have to chase miles is time consuming. Now to find a supervisor that will help me.
Cheers AAExecPlatFlier - will call AAEXP desk and start the journey.
I had this same issue with a CX ticket I bought on AA.com and was curious how the heck this can happen.
I had no idea it was CX. Lesson learned.
This shouldn't be a glitch is this day and age and have to chase miles is time consuming. Now to find a supervisor that will help me.
Cheers AAExecPlatFlier - will call AAEXP desk and start the journey.
First. This is a known issue. You have to call and go to a supervisor and then they have to submit it not as a request, but actually post and Bill CX and let it be "an accounting issue". It is a total pain. And you basically need to find a supervisor that is going to play the game for you. Via email is not going to work. it takes some doing, but it can be done.
And second, BAD business AA! Ummm. It is CX that is denying it. u email even says it.. "mileage credit for these flights has been denied by the airline:"
And second, BAD business AA! Ummm. It is CX that is denying it. u email even says it.. "mileage credit for these flights has been denied by the airline:"
Apr 21, 2016, 4:38 pm
#203
Join Date: Dec 2012
Programs: AY Plat, AA ExP, NH Gold, AMEX PLAT
Posts: 312
@AAExecPlatFlier
Thank you for the advice. I called and spoke to a lovely lady Supervisor and she understood and manually input all flights missing due to CX issue and within 2 minutes the problem was solved.
VERY professional and kind. I appreciate YOUR advice and knowledge.
Yes, call in to a supervisor and have all documents sent prior.
Once again a loyal AA EXP member.
Thank you for the advice. I called and spoke to a lovely lady Supervisor and she understood and manually input all flights missing due to CX issue and within 2 minutes the problem was solved.
VERY professional and kind. I appreciate YOUR advice and knowledge.
Yes, call in to a supervisor and have all documents sent prior.
Once again a loyal AA EXP member.
First. This is a known issue. You have to call and go to a supervisor and then they have to submit it not as a request, but actually post and Bill CX and let it be "an accounting issue". It is a total pain. And you basically need to find a supervisor that is going to play the game for you. Via email is not going to work. it takes some doing, but it can be done.
May 17, 2016, 3:06 pm
#204
Join Date: May 2009
Programs: Mileage Plus, Starwood, Hyatt Gold Passport, Hilton Honors, AAdvantage
Posts: 48
Earn AAdvantage Miles on Cathay PE?
Need to book LAX-BKK RT. Usually travel EVA. Cathay has a great PE fare, but website no says AAdvantage miles earning.
A call to res says website is in error - Fare codes W, R, E do earn miles.
Anybody actually have successful experience? BTW, AA website says partner fare is eligible.
Thanks!
A call to res says website is in error - Fare codes W, R, E do earn miles.
Anybody actually have successful experience? BTW, AA website says partner fare is eligible.
Thanks!
May 17, 2016, 4:00 pm
#205
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2004
Programs: CX Green, QF Platinum, BAEC Silver, Hyatt Glob
Posts: 10,780
This is a question about earning AA miles so I'm moving this to the AA forum.
sxc
Cathay Pacific Moderator
sxc
Cathay Pacific Moderator
May 17, 2016, 4:04 pm
#206
Join Date: May 2008
Location: NYC
Programs: DL PM; UA 1K; AA 1MM
Posts: 4,519
Need to book LAX-BKK RT. Usually travel EVA. Cathay has a great PE fare, but website no says AAdvantage miles earning.
A call to res says website is in error - Fare codes W, R, E do earn miles.
Anybody actually have successful experience? BTW, AA website says partner fare is eligible.
Thanks!
A call to res says website is in error - Fare codes W, R, E do earn miles.
Anybody actually have successful experience? BTW, AA website says partner fare is eligible.
Thanks!
https://www.aa.com/i18n/AAdvantage/e...hayPacific.jsp
May 17, 2016, 5:46 pm
#207
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: HPN
Programs: Delta, HH Diamond, Marriott, AA Gold
Posts: 119
I have booked in "E" on CX multiple times in the last year and you do earn AA miles.
May 17, 2016, 7:33 pm
#208
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
Need to book LAX-BKK RT. Usually travel EVA. Cathay has a great PE fare, but website no says AAdvantage miles earning.
A call to res says website is in error - Fare codes W, R, E do earn miles.
Anybody actually have successful experience? BTW, AA website says partner fare is eligible.
Thanks!
A call to res says website is in error - Fare codes W, R, E do earn miles.
Anybody actually have successful experience? BTW, AA website says partner fare is eligible.
Thanks!
May 17, 2016, 8:47 pm
#209
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: in the vicinity of SFO
Programs: AA 2MM (LT-PLT, PPro for this year)
Posts: 19,781
Jun 12, 2016, 12:13 pm
#210
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: NCL and LBA
Programs: BD*G, BAGold, Hyatt Diamond, SPG Plat
Posts: 3,269
Is it possible to collect AA miles for CX flights taken before enrollment. My friend and his gf just got back from an EU-NZ ticket booked in I and forgot to sign up to an FFP despite me telling them to do so. Should be 30k miles in total so would be a shame to lose them. If they were to sign up, could they get the miles (have e-tcket receipts but not BPs) even though they were taken in April/May??